Details for Discipleship

This unit is a study of Christian discipleship, focusing on the biblical, theological, and historical patterns of discipleship and their strategic relevance to the task of making disciples today.  

The unit Discipleship is part of the subject area Ministry and is offered as a part of the following Awards: Master of Arts (Christian Studies) (Alphacrucis College (NSW Dept. of Education)).

Unit Content

Curriculum Objective

At the successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. demonstrate an intermediate knowledge of the biblical, historical and theological foundations of discipleship;
2. understand the place of discipleship in the practice of Christian ministry;
3. explain the spiritual, interpersonal and social dynamics of discipleship within an Australian context;
4. evaluate the various strategies of making irreligious people into fully devoted follower of Christ that are available to contemporary congregations;
5. critique prevailing models of the church and propose new models of discipleship for the emerging church;
display an ability to mentor a growing Christian and exercise a ministry of discipleship. 

Subject Content

1. Biblical, historical, and theological foundations of discipleship.
2. The place of discipleship in the practice of Christian ministry.
3. Strategies for discipleship.
4. New models of discipleship for the emerging church;
Mentoring and discipleship. 

Assessment Methods

Reading questions, book review, field project, exam.

Prescribed Text

• Willard, D. The Great Omission. San Francisco, NY: HarperCollins, 2006.

Representative References

Barna, G. Growing True Disciples: New Strategies for Producing Genuine Followers of Christ. Colorado Springs, CO: WaterBrook Press, 2001.

Bennett, R. Intentional Disciplemaking: Cultivating Spiritual Maturity in the Local Church. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress Publishing Group, 2001.

Boa, K. Conformed to His Image: Biblical and Practical Approaches to Spiritual Formation. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishers, 2001.

Bridges, J. Growing Your Faith: How to Mature in Christ. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2002.

Cloud, H. and J. Townsend. How People Grow: What the Bible Reveals about Personal Growth. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing, 2001.

Lowes, D.  Forming Christian Disciples: The Role of Covenant Discipleship and Class Leaders in the Congregation.  EugeneOR:  Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2002.

Malphurs, Aubrey, Strategic disciple making: a practical tool for successful ministry, Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2009.

Ogden, G.Transforming Discipleship. Downers Grove, Ill: Intervarsity Press, 2003.

Ortberg, J. The Life You’ve Always Wanted: Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2002.

Peterson, E. A Long Obedience in the Same Direction. Downers Grove, Ill: InterVarsity, 2000.